Session Profile: Hanah Lahe
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
2025-05-14
Political Position
The speaker is a staunch and committed supporter of climate policy and the green transition, dismissing the opposition (EKRE, Isamaa, Keskerakond) as peddlers of foolishness and conspiracy theories. They emphasize that the global economy is moving irreversibly towards sustainability, and that climate change represents an existential threat that causes significant economic damage. Their political position is strongly value-driven (environmental protection, sustainability) and focused on maintaining international credibility.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker possesses significant expertise in climate and energy policy, particularly regarding the European Union Emissions Trading System (ETS). They highlight the system's financial revenue, which averages 200 million euros annually, and how these funds are utilized for investments. The speaker draws on information provided by experts at the Ministry of Climate and is knowledgeable about international climate targets (China 2060, US policy). Furthermore, they are competent in explaining the work and procedures of the Riigikogu committee.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is predominantly combative and passionate, especially when communicating with opponents, using strong words like "stupidity," "conspiracy theories," and "ideological madness." He balances emotional appeals (embarrassment over the level of the debate) with logical arguments, relying on facts and expert assessments. In the commission's reports, the style is neutral and procedural, but there are also personal complaints about interruptions.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the Riigikogu plenary session, appearing both as a rapporteur (presenting the discussions held by the Environment Committee on May 5th and April 14th) and responding to numerous questions. They actively participate in the debate, defending the government's climate policy and attacking the opposition's positions.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker sharply criticizes colleagues from EKRE, Isamaa, and the Centre Party, accusing them of spreading lies, believing in conspiracy theories, and misleading the electorate. The critique is both political (opposition to the HKS and the green transition) and personal (accusing them of causing "existential angst"). Furthermore, the speaker criticizes the President of the United States for denying anthropogenic climate change.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker works closely with officials and experts from the Ministry of Climate, relying on their specialized information. Regarding the committee's work, he emphasizes a consensus-based decision-making process (for example, when placing a draft bill on the agenda). He demonstrates openness to finding consensus with other countries (e.g., concerning the amendment of the HKS article), but sees no room for compromise with the opposition on fundamental issues of climate policy.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on international and domestic issues. Internationally, he/she stresses the benefits of EU membership and the importance of HKS. Domestically, he/she brings up Rail Baltic (as a component of green development) and investments in infrastructure and building renovation, financed by HKS revenues. The Keskpolügoon area is also mentioned in connection with reducing administrative bureaucracy.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly supports sustainable economic development and investment certainty. He considers oil shale electricity expensive and economically irrational, emphasizing that the market demands clean solutions. The revenue from HKS is systematically used for investments that reduce future costs and enhance the country's climate resilience.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker identifies as a feminist and supports increasing gender balance, for example, on company boards, while asking about alternatives to quotas. She notes and distances herself from her colleagues' concerns regarding issues of gender identity and trans issues, considering it an irrelevant waste of time.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is an active proponent and presenter concerning two bills: first, a bill regarding the seeking of exemptions from the Emissions Trading System (ETS) (which the speaker opposes), and second, a bill aimed at streamlining the environmental permit system and reducing bureaucracy and administrative burden (which the speaker supports).
21 Speeches Analyzed